Perhaps you could have a variable restocking fee based on shipping rather than a fixed percentage? This way you can offer free shipping and still recoup your money for returns.
I may start opening up to returns... as said, it's not like I can stop them now anyhow.

I doubt that ebay would allow you to charge a restocking fee if a buyer wanted to contest it.

Thanks - yeah, eBay has sent me a few messages about opening a store...which I am probably not going to do since I fluctuate between having a lot to list, and not much at all. It's like my Netflix subscription - I pay $9 a month and never watch any movies, then remember I have it and watch 2 or 3 to "get my money's worth". Anyway, right now I am taking advantage of eBay's free fixed price listing days, and then will wait until October to list more auction items.

I also got the Paypal preemptive email about adding my SSN just in case I go over 200 sales and $20k in value. Eesh. I hope I don't, at least not in 2012, as I haven't kept any record of expenses. Will start in 2013 just in case I keep doing this...which I won't if I have to treat it like a job.

Anyway, right now I am taking advantage of eBay's free fixed price listing days, and then will wait until October to list more auction items.

I relisted something with a fixed price and it charged me the fee Couldn't be hassled to deal with them on the phone for $.50.

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I also got the Paypal preemptive email about adding my SSN just in case I go over 200 sales and $20k in value. Eesh. I hope I don't, at least not in 2012, as I haven't kept any record of expenses. Will start in 2012 just in case I keep doing this...which I won't if I have to treat it like a job.

Me too, nice little reminder every time I log into paypal. Have zero records though, so I'd be totally screwed.

I also got the Paypal preemptive email about adding my SSN just in case I go over 200 sales and $20k in value. Eesh. I hope I don't, at least not in 2012, as I haven't kept any record of expenses. Will start in 2012 just in case I keep doing this...which I won't if I have to treat it like a job.

Me too, nice little reminder every time I log into paypal. Have zero records though, so I'd be totally screwed.

Interesting that they let you get close without your SSN (and you can still withdraw money?), but what happens if you just don't enter it?

Interesting that they let you get close without your SSN (and you can still withdraw money?), but what happens if you just don't enter it?

Well I think I'm only like halfway there, so close is a bit of a stretch. It gives a note about providing it to "avoid interruption in service," so my best guess is that they start holding all your money until you provide one.

Me too, nice little reminder every time I log into paypal. Have zero records though, so I'd be totally screwed.

Since I use my debit card for 95% or more of what I buy, I suppose I do have records. And from that I could extrapolate mileage, average gas prices at the time, as well as glean postage and packing materials costs etc...if it came down to having to do so. I think keeping receipts and records just makes it tidier, but if I passed that $20k mark the onus would be on the IRS to prove otherwise insofar as my expenses if I simply gave them a number. I don't jake around with the IRS (anymore), and I'm not a tax attorney, but as far as I'm aware you don't really need to keep records - it just helps your case if you get tapped for a review.

but you have a legit business....any small (medium/large) business is going to feel the mighty hand of the government. God forbid you get an employee....and have to deal with payroll for one or two people.

but you have a legit business....any small (medium/large) business is going to feel the mighty hand of the government. God forbid you get an employee....and have to deal with payroll for one or two people.

For y'all flippers, the Neiman Last Call site has extended their 30% off sale for an extra day - ends at 8am tomorrow (not sure which TZ - I think central). Didn't see much worth grabbing to re-sell; at best some Varvatos shoes, Robt Graham sweaters, and Graham shorts...maybe turn a $25 profit per item based on past eBay sales. Not much meat on dem bones...but if you're looking for something for yourself, some OK deals to be had.